In the Republic of El Salvador, you will find a charming town called Ilobasco. One of the oldest artisan towns in this country, where you can live a fascinating cultural and historical experience, admire beautiful and creative designs in clay and mud, and walk through trails in beautiful natural landscapes.
Discover everything you should see and visit in this beautiful pottery town.
Ilobasco - Villages of El Salvador. Photo by @angelromero via Twenty20.
Ilobasco Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | Cabañas |
| Category: | Villages |
| Elevation: | 750m |
| Surface: | 249,7km² |
| Indigenous People: | Lenca |
| Advice: | See and buy handicrafts. |
Location of Ilobasco
History and characteristics of Ilobasco
The department of Cabañas, Northeast of San Salvador, is located in the picturesque Ilobasco, about 750 meters above sea level, on top of a hill, covering an area of 249.69 km2.
It is known as the “place of tender corn tortillas,” its name in Nahuatl, since its first settlers, the Lencas, cultivated corn in its fertile lands.
The Pipiles later conquered the territory at the end of the XV century. It was organized as a town in 1600, with the name of San Miguel de Xilobasco or Ilobasco, when the first church was built in its center.
At the same time, the settlement of families of Hispanic origin in the town caused its growth, becoming a parish around 1770, until January 18, 1871, when it was granted the city category after the Independence process.
This municipality has a valuable architectural heritage, which has endured over time, as well as its crafts, being one of the major local tourist attractions and the splendid Central American country.
Knowing as the “City of Handicrafts,” where it is possible to appreciate a great variety of clay and clay art pieces and even attend workshops to make them open to locals and tourists.
However, the city’s economic development also revolves around commerce, livestock, agriculture, fishing, and the cereal, sugar, dairy, and indigo industries.
As if this were not enough, in this town you will find good culinary offers and cozy lodgings at reasonable prices, allowing you to save money and use it as a base to visit and tour nearby towns.
What to see and visit in Ilobasco?
To get in touch with the customs, history, and religious tradition, the tour can begin at the entrance of the municipality, visiting the Church El Calvario, which is of modern style. Its tower stands out with the bell, which invites the faithful to religious services.
Continuing towards the city’s downtown area, you will find one of the treasures of Ilobasco: the San Miguel Arcángel Church, the patron saint of the town, built in the 19th century, which has a beautiful cross-shaped vault.
In the upper part of the city is the old Church of the Virgen de Los Desamparados, whose main altar has an original altarpiece.
Strolling through the streets of Ilobasco is very entertaining because of the number of small shops that you will find on your way with diverse and beautiful handicrafts. Ranging from traditional utilitarian objects, religious figures, and cheerful decorative pieces to the very famous miniatures and “surprises,” which reflect scenes of daily life and require great dedication from the best potters.
No doubt you will be captivated, and you will be able to take some original creations as a souvenir.
This destination offers nightlife, such as bars and nightclubs, and if you prefer the natural environment, you will surely enjoy relaxing tours in the surrounding area.
An adventure not to be missed is a visit to the Museum and Water Park La Casa de la Hacienda. In addition to a walk through history, you can enjoy a day in contact with nature, see spectacular flowers, visit a mini zoo, and have fun in the swimming pools.
Patron saint festivities and gastronomy in Ilobasco
The most awaited festivities take place between September 20 and 29 in honor of San Miguel Arcángel, patron saint of Ilobasco. During the celebrations, the urban center is colorful, and the attendees participate in various activities, such as the election of carnival queens, a parade of floats, the burning of gunpowder, shows of rams, bulls, and horses, dance contests, and presentation of artists.
A procession, beautiful dawn, and a solemn mass are held for the last two days to close the festivities.
On May 10, the festivities of the Virgen de Los Desamparados are celebrated, from December 6 to 8, the feast of the co-patron saint of the city, the Virgin Immaculate Conception, and from January 12 to 14, a pilgrimage in honor of the Señor de las Misericordias (Lord of Mercy).
Among the gastronomic offerings in Ilobasco, some local dishes stand out, as well as pork-based products such as the delicious pork rinds, the typical pupusas with traditional tomato sauce and tanned with vinegar or without vinegar, torrejas de pan, sweet potato, and the highly requested by diners, nuégados de harina.
Nearby places to visit
You can’t miss the magnificent Heliconias del Bosque ecological park in the surrounding area. In this place, you can stroll through dreamy nature trails surrounded by flowers, where heliconias, typical flowers of the room, abound, and even explore sites that recall the past without missing the opportunity to take incredible photographs as a souvenir of your visit to this unique place.
Another site highly appreciated by the region’s people is the Titihuapa River, where you will enjoy water activities. Additionally, you can explore an impressive cave with vestiges of rock art.
The cozy town of Ilobasco is a Pueblo Vivo of El Salvador and part of the Artisan Route. Likewise, it is recognized as one of the leading centers of pottery in Central America, with a beautiful natural environment that undoubtedly makes it an excellent destination for relaxation and fun.
